Alarm system

ABSTRACT

A window-mounted alarm-actuating unit comprises a transmitter for generating wireless signals, a power source connected to the transmitter, means for mounting the transmitter and the power source in a window frame, and switch means operable upon the opening of the window in normal operation for actuating the transmitter to generate a wireless signal for a relatively short period whereby the transmitter draws power from the power source only during the relatively short period.

United States Patent Cutler et al.

[ Feb.8, 1972 [54] ALARM SYSTEM [72] Inventors: Joel L. Cutler; Joel 1. Glickman, both of Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

[73] Assignee: Transalarrn Electronics 1nc., Huntingdon Valley, Pa.

[22] Filed: Aug. 7, 1969 21 Appl. No.2 848,258

[52] US. Cl ..340/224, ZOO/61.73, ZOO/61.82,

325/64, 325/392, 343/225, 340/274 51 Int. Cl. ..cos b 1/08 [58] Field of Search ..340/274, 276, 224; ZOO/61.62,

ZOO/61.71, 61.73, 61.74, 61.76, 61.81, 61.82; 325/64, 392, 466, 169, 185; 343/225 2,474,157 6/1949 Needlman... ...340/280 2,899,674 8/1959 Sierer ..340/224 in; J din-l6 3,247,502 4/1966 Eberts ..340/ 280 3,544,987 12/1970 McMann, Jr. et al... ....340/224 2,313,850 3/1943 Usselman ....325/169 2,577,751 12/1951 Halstead... ....340/224 2,841,700 7/1958 l-lallden ....325/l85 3,056,951 10/1962 Tooni ....340/224 3,230,454 1/ 1966 Van Burkieo ..340/224 Primary Examiner-John W. Caldwell Assistant Examiner-J. Michael Bobbitt Attorney-Kurt Shaffert ABSTRACT A window-mounted alarm-actuating unit comprises a transmitter for generating wireless signals, a power source connected to the transmitter, means for mounting the transmitter and the power source in a window frame, and switch means operable upon the opening of the window in normal operation for actuating the transmitter to generate a wireless signal for a relatively short period whereby the transmitter draws power from the power source only during the relatively short period.

7 Claims, 2 Drawing Figures RECEIVER ALARM PATENTEBFEB' 8 I972 FIG. I

ALARM RECEIVER FIG 2 & 4 6 2 3 TRANSMITTER BATTERY ALARM SYSTEM This invention relates to alarm systems. More particularly, this invention relates to a window-mounted alarm system.

Generally, a window-mounted alarm system comprises a plurality of units so disposed as to detect the opening of the windows of a dwelling. Thus, the movement of the window away from the upper or lower window frame causes the displacement of a switch thereby detecting the opening of the window. In prior art window alarm systems, it has been the practice to provide conventional electrical wiring for transmitting the signal from the window-mounted alarm unit to the apparatus for sounding the alarm. The use of this electrical wiring has presented certain problems.

Usually the window-mounted alarm-actuating unit is located a relatively far distance from the alarm. Thus, it is necessary that a large amount of wiring be done in order to connect the window-mounted actuating unit to the alarm. Unfortunately, this results in a great deal of unsightly wiring which detracts from the general appearance of the surroundings. Furthermore, as efforts have been made to conceal this unattractive wiring, the cost of installation has risen appreciably. In fact, with many present-day window-mounted burglary alarm systems, a large portion of the cost of the entire system may be attributed to the cost of installation. This large cost of installation is made up in large part by the lengthy time period required to wire the system.

Therefore, it is an object of the present invention to provide a window-mounted alarm system wherein there will be no unsightly wiring to detract from the general appearance of the surroundings.

It is another object of the present invention to provide a window-mounted alarm system having a very low cost of installation.

Furthermore, it is another object of the present invention to provide a window-mounted alarm system which will be completely hidden from view when in use.

It is still a further object of the present invention to provide a window-mounted alarm-actuating unit that will not be affected by exterior contaminants such as dust, dirt or moisture.

In addition, it is still another object of the present invention to provide a window-mounted alarm-actuating unit wherein the power source therefore need be replaced only at lengthy intervals. I

Other objects will appear hereinafter.

The above-mentioned objects and many others are achieved by the present invention which includes a window-mounted alarm-actuating unit which is connected to a receiver by a wireless transmission path. The receiver is connected to an alarm. Thus, there are no unsightly wires to detract from the general appearance of the surroundings. Furthermore, costs of installation are greatly reduced as there is no necessity for expensive time-consuming wiring. Furthermore, when the windows are closed and the alarm is set, the alarm system of the present invention is completely out of sight.

In accordance with the present invention, it is desired that the transmitter generate a wireless signal to the receiver whenever the window is opened. Since it is not desired to actuate the alarm every time the window is opened, it is necessary to provide some means to disconnect the alarm. This may readily be done by providing the receiver with an on-offswitch.

If the window-mounted actuating unit continuously generates a wireless signal in response to the open condition of the window, a continuous signal will be generated whenever the window is open irrespective of whether the receiver is in its on or off position. Thus, although no alarm will be generated when the receiver is in its off position, there will be a continuous drain upon the power source.

In accordance with the present invention, means are provided for allowing the actuating switch of the windowmounted alarm-actuating unit of the present invention to be in an extended position when the window is open without causing the generation of wireless signals. Thus, the power source for the transmitter will not be appreciably drained when the window is in an open position.

In many window-mounted alarm-actuating units in use today, it is possible for dust, dirt, moisture and other contaminants to collect within the actuating unit. If these contaminants collect upon the electrical contacts of the actuating unit. electrical flow therethrough may be prevented resulting in a failure of the unit. This is particularly undesirable because there will be no warning as to when the alarm will fail. Thus, the failure of the window alarm-actuating unit will be detected only after an unauthorized entry into the dwelling through a window has been completed.

For the purpose of illustrating the invention, there is shown in the drawings a form which is presently preferred, it being understood, however, that the invention is not limited to the precise arrangements and instrumentalities shown.

FIG. 1 is a functional representation of the alarm system of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the windowmounted alarm-actuating unit of the present invention.

Referring now to the drawings in particular, wherein like numerals designate like elements, there is shown in FIG. 1 a functional representation of the alarm system of the present invention.

A wondow-mounted alarm-actuating unit designated as 18 in FIG. 1 is mounted in a window frame 16 containing upper window 12 and partially raised lower window 14. The windowmounted alarm-actuating unit contains a transmitter therein which allows the unit to generate a wireless signal whenever lower window 14 is raised allowing plunger 20 to rise. This wireless signal is detected by receiver 24. The wireless transmission path is designated as 22 in FIG. 1. Receiver 24 is operatively connected to alarm 30 by connection 28. Alarm 30 may be mounted within the dwelling to be protected by the alarm system or may be mounted upon one of the exterior walls of the dwelling as is commonly done. The connection from receiver 24 to alarm 30 designated as 28 in FIG. 1 may be by conventional electrical wiring or may be by wireless transmission.

As will be explained more fully hereinafter, plunger 20 of the window-mounted alarm-actuating unit is displaced downwardly by the closed lower window 14. Upon the opening of lower window 14, bias means causes the upward movement of plunger 20 thereby causing the window-mounted alarm-actuating unit to generate a wireless signal. This wireless signal is detected by receiver 24. Since it is desirable that the alarm not be actuated every time lower window 14 is opened, on-off switch 26 is provided at receiver 24 for insuring that every signal generated by window-mounted alarm-actuating unit 18 will not actuate alarm 30.

FIG. 2 shows in greater detail the interior mechanism of window-mounted alarm-actuating unit 18 of the present invention. The alarm-actuating unit is contained with casing 72. Casing 72 has a diameter of less than 3 inches and a length of less than 18 inches. Thus, casing 72 may be entirely submerged within window frame 16. Plunger 20 is slidably mounted within casing 72. When completely installed, only top plate 46 of casing 72 and the top portion of plunger 20 will be visible when lower window 14 is in an opened position. As mentioned hereinabove, when lower window 14 is in a closed position, the actuating unit 18 of the present invention will be completely out of sight.

Pressure plate 32 is rigidly connected to plunger 20 or alternatively may be formed integrally therewith. Electrically conductive sphere 36 is rigidly connected to central portion 34 of plunger 20 or alternatively may be formed integrally therewith. Spring 50 is operatively disposed within casing 72 so as to bias pressure plate 32 in an upward direction. Transmitter 42 and battery 44 are disposed in the bottom portion of casing 72. Electrical contacts 38 and 40 are conductively connected to transmitter 42. Transmitter 42 is conductively connected to battery 44.

In order to install alarm-actuating unit 18, it is necessary to drill an opening in window frame 16 to receive casing 72. This opening designated as in FIG. 2 is of a larger diameter than the main portion of casing 72 but is of a smaller diameter than top plate 46 of casing 72.

In order to insure efficient and reliable operation of alarmactuating unit 18, it is necessary to prevent contaminants such as dust, dirt and moisture from entering casing 72. Thus, ring 52 provides an effective seal between the top of plunger and top plate 46 of casing 72 in order to prevent contaminants from entering the top of the alarm-actuating unit. In a similar manner, O-ring 54 is mounted about the periphery of pressure plate 32 to further prevent the deposition of contaminants on contacts 38 and 40 and sphere 36. O-ring 56 is disposed about extension 48 of casing 72 in order to effectively control the path of plunger 20.

v If pressure plate 32 were of solid construction, the depression of pressure plate 32 with O-ring 54 mounted thereabout would compress the air within the upper portion of casing 72. This is undesirable because the upward movement of plunger 20 must be slow enough to allow sphere 36 to make sufficient electrical contact with contacts 38 and 40 for a predetermined period. Thus, if compressed air under high pressure were contained within the upper portion of casing 72, sphere 36 would move past contacts 38 and 40 too rapidly to allow for proper electrical contact to be made. Therefore, vents 62 and 64 are provided to vent compressed air beneath pressure plate 32 to the region above pressure plate 32. In a similar manner, the lower portion of casing 72 is vented to the upper portion of casing 72 by vents 66 and 68 contained within extensions 48. Thus, actuating unit 18 is sealed off from external contaminants without creating any undesirable pressures within casing 72.

The operation of the alarm system of the present invention is as follows. Alarm-actuating unit 18 is inserted into opening 70 in window frame 16 so that only the top of plunger 20 protrudes therefrom. Plunger 20 is depressed by the closing of lower window 14. Receiver 24 is usually maintained in an off position through the use of on-off switch 26. Thus, any signals generated by alarm-actuating unit 18 will not be effective to actuate alarm 30. Each time lower window 14 is raised or lowered, sphere 36 will bridge contacts 38 and 40 causing alarm-actuating unit 18 to generate a wireless signal. However, in normal operation, this bridging of contacts 38 and 40 will last for only a relatively short period. Thus, each time plunger 20 is raised or lowered, only a small amount of power will be drawn from battery 44. Therefore, even if lower window 14 is left open all day, the only drain on battery 44 will occur during the short period as the window is opened in normal operation.

The depressed position of plunger 20 is shown in dotted lines in FIG. 2. Although occasional contact is made between central portion 34 of plunger 20 and contacts 38 and 40, no signal will be generated by alarm-actuating unit 18 since central portion 34 of plunger 20 is comprised on nonconductive material.

If it is desired to set the alarm system, lower window 14 will obviously be placed in its closed position and locked. Then switch 26 of receiver 24 is switched to its on position. If an unauthorized opening of lower window 14 is effected, plunger 20 will be forced upward by the action of spring 50 causing sphere 36 to bridge contacts 38 and 40. This causes alarm-actuating unit 18 to generate a wireless signal to receiver 24. Receiver 24 will actuate alarm 30. Once actuated, alarm will continue sounding until the alarm is manually disconnected.

Transmitter 42 is entirely conventional. Thus, transmitters utilized to open garage doors may be utilized. Battery 44 is also conventional. Although many different batteries may be utilized, it has been found that a B-battery having a long shelf life gives satisfactory results. Casing 72 is comprised of a nonconducting material. Plastic has been found to be quite acceptable. Similarly, plunger 20 and pressure plate 32 are comprised of a nonconductive material. In this regard, plastic has been found to be a suitable material. The various O-rings utilized in the invention are also conventional. Contacts 38 and 40 are comprised of electrically conductive resilient material. The material must be such that contacts 38 and 40 will maintain a predetermined distance therebetween when sphere 36 is not disposed therebetween. Thus contacts 38 and 40 will spring back to their original position after sphere 36 has passed therethrough.

Receiver 24 may be a conventional receiver utilized to actuate garage door openers. For example, transmitter 42 may generate a wireless signal of a certain frequency having a characteristic modulation applied thereto. Thus. receiver 24 will be tuned to receive that particular frequency and will have means therein to demodulate the characteristic modulation and to actuate the alarm in response thereto.

In many instances, it is desirable to mount alarm 30 upon the exterior of the building to be protected by the alarm system of the present invention. Since receiver 24 may be placed anywhere in the building, it is a relatively easy matter to dispose receiver 24 at a position closely adjacent to the ex-.

terior wall upon which the alarm is mounted. Thus, no difficulties are encountered by connecting the receiver to the alarm by conventional electrical wiring. However, if it were not desired to connect the receiver to the alarm by wire, it is possible to utilize the receiver to generate a wireless signal to actuate the alarm.

A building protected by the alarm system of the present invention should include an alarm-actuating unit for each upper and lower window. Furthermore, the alarm-actuating unit of the present invention should be disposed in each doorframe adjacent to the hinged side of each door in order to detect an unauthorized opening thereof.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential attributes thereof. For example, although the actuating unit of the present invention is illustrated as window mounted, it could obviously be mounted in a doorframe adjacent the hinged side of the door.

We claim:

1. An alarm system for detecting the movement of an element which in its closed position closes an opening comprising: a transmitter for generating a wireless signal; a relatively constant voltage power source; switch means; said switch means being disposed so as to detect movement of said element; said switch means being actuated upon the movement of said element a predetermined amount; said switch means being automatically deactuated during normal opening of the movable element after a relatively short period of time after actuation; means electrically interconnecting said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means so that actuation of said switch means during normal opening of the movable element causes said transmitter to draw power from said relatively constant voltage power source for said relatively short period of time and to thereby transmit a wireless signal for said relatively short period of time; said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means being electrically interconnected to that upon the expiration of said relatively short period of time said switch means prevents the drawing of power from said relatively constant voltage power source and further prevents said transmitter from generating a wireless signal; means for receiving said wireless signal; alarm means; means connecting said receiving means to said alarm means so that reception of said wireless signal by said receiving means causes actuation of said alarm means for a period of time longer than said relatively short period of time; and means for disconnecting said alarm means so that generation of said wireless signal does not function to actuate said alarm means.

2. An alarm system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said element is a window.

3. An alarm system for detecting the movement of a window which in its closed position closes an opening comprising: a transmitter for generating a wireless signal; a relatively constant voltage power source; switch means; said switch means being disposed so as to detect movement of said window; said switch means being actuated upon the movement of said window a predetermined amount; said switch means being automatically deactuated during normal opening of the window after a relatively short period of time after actuation; means electrically interconnecting said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means so that actuation of said switch means during normal opening of the window causes said transmitter to draw power from said relatively constant voltage power source for said relatively short period of time and to thereby transmit a wireless signal for said relatively short period of time; said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means being electrically interconnected so that upon the expiration of said relatively short period of time said switch means prevents said transmitter from drawing power from said relatively constant voltage power source and further prevents said transmitter from generating a wireless signal; means for receiving said wireless signal; alarm means; means connecting said receiving means to said alarm means so that reception of said wireless signal by said receiving means causes actuation of said alarm means for a period of time longer than said relatively short period of time; means for disconnecting said alarm means so that generation of said wireless signal does not function to actuate said alarm means; said switch means comprising a plunger; means biasing said plunger in a predetermined direction; a first contact mounted to a terminal portion of said plunger, a second contact conductively connected to said transmitter whereby, during normal opening of the window, said bias means causes said first contact to be drawn past and make electrical contact with said second contact for said relatively short period of time.

4. An alarm system for detecting the movement of a window which in its closed position closes an opening comprising; a transmitter for generating a wireless signal; a relatively constant voltage power source; switch means; said switch means being disposed so as to detect movement of said window; said switch means being actuated upon the movement of said window a predetermined amount; said switch means being automatically deactuated during normal opening of the window after a relatively short period of time after actuation; means electrically interconnecting said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means so that actuation of said switch means during normal opening of the window causes said transmitter to draw power from said relatively constant voltage power source for said relatively short period of time and to thereby transmit a wireless signal for said relatively short period of time; said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means being electrically interconnected so that upon the expiration of said relatively short period of time said switch means prevents said transmitter from drawing power from said relatively constant voltage power source and further prevents said transmitter from generating a wireless signal; means for receiving said wireless signal; alann means; means connecting said receiving means to said alarm means so that reception of said wireless signal by said receiving means causes actuation of said alarm means for a period of time longer than said relatively short period of time; means for disconnecting said alarm means so that generation of said wireless signal does not function to actuate said alann means; said switch means comprising a plunger; means biasing said plunger in a predetermined direction; a first contact mounted to a terminal portion of said plunger, and a plurality of contacts conductively connected to said transmitter whereby, during normal opening of the window, said bias means causes said first contact to be drawn past and make electrical contact with said plurality of contacts for said relatively short period of time.

5. An alarm system in accordance with claim 4 further including a casing, means mounting said plunger in said casing said plunger further including a pressure plate, and said casing including stop means for arresting the movement of said pressure plate in said predetermined direction.

6. An alarm system in accordance with claim 5 further including resilient means mounted to the periphery of said casing to seal off the interior of said casing from external contaminants and to permit movement of said plunger with respect to said casing, vent means disposed within said pressure plate to maintain a uniform pressure within the upper portion of said casing and vent means within said casing to maintain a uniform pressure within the lower portion of said casing.

7. An alarm system in accordance with claim 6 further including resilient means disposed within said casing to control the movement of said plunger within said casing. 

1. An alarm system for detecting the movement of an element which in its closed position closes an opening comprising: a transmitter for generating a wireless signal; a relatively constant voltage power source; switch means; said switch means being disposed so as to detect movement of said element; said switch means being actuated upon the movement of said element a predetermined amount; said switch means being automatically deactuated during normal opening of the movable element after a relatively short period of time after actuation; means electrically interconnecting said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means so that actuation of said switch means during normal opening of the movable element causes said transmitter to draw power from said relatively constant voltage power source for said relatively short period of time and to thereby transmit a wireless signal for said relatively short period of time; said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means being electrically interconnected to that upon the expiration of said relatively short period of time said switch means prevents the drawing of power from said relatively constant voltage power source and further prevents said transmitter from generating a wireless signal; means for receiving said wireless signal; alarm means; means connecting said receiving means to said alarm means so that reception of said wireless signal by said receiving means causes actuation of said alarm means for a period of time longer than said relatively short period of time; and means for disconnecting said alarm means so that generation of said wireless signal does not function to actuate said alarm means.
 2. An alarm system in accordance with claim 1 wherein said element is a window.
 3. An alarm system for detecting the movement of a window which in its closed position closes an opening comprising: a transmitter for generating a wireless signal; a relatively constant voltage power source; switch means; said switch means being disposed so as to detect movement of said window; said switch means being actuated upon the movement of said window a predetermined amount; said switch means being automatically deactuated during normal opening of the window after a relatively short period of time after actuation; means electrically interconnecting said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means so that actuation of said switch means during normal opening of the window causes said transmitter to draw power from said relatively constant voltage power source for said relatively short period of time and to thereby transmit a wireless signal for said relatively short period of time; said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means being electrically interconnected so that upon the expiration of said relatively short period of time said switch means prevents said transmitter from drawing power from said relatively constant voltage power source and further prevents said transmitter from generating a wireless signal; means for receiving said wireless signal; alarm means; means connecting said receiving means to said alarm means so that reception of said wireless signal by said receiving means causes actuation of said alarm means for a period of time longer than said relatively short period of time; means for disconnecting said alarm means so that generation of said wireless signal does not function to actuate said alarm means; said switch means comprising a plunger; means biasing said plunger in a predetermined direction; a first contact mounted to a terminal portion of said plunger, a second contact conductively connected to said transmitter whereby, during normal opening of the window, said bias means causes said first contact to be drawn past and make electrical contact with said second contact for said relatively short period of time.
 4. An alarm system for deteCting the movement of a window which in its closed position closes an opening comprising: a transmitter for generating a wireless signal; a relatively constant voltage power source; switch means; said switch means being disposed so as to detect movement of said window; said switch means being actuated upon the movement of said window a predetermined amount; said switch means being automatically deactuated during normal opening of the window after a relatively short period of time after actuation; means electrically interconnecting said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means so that actuation of said switch means during normal opening of the window causes said transmitter to draw power from said relatively constant voltage power source for said relatively short period of time and to thereby transmit a wireless signal for said relatively short period of time; said transmitter, said relatively constant voltage power source and said switch means being electrically interconnected so that upon the expiration of said relatively short period of time said switch means prevents said transmitter from drawing power from said relatively constant voltage power source and further prevents said transmitter from generating a wireless signal; means for receiving said wireless signal; alarm means; means connecting said receiving means to said alarm means so that reception of said wireless signal by said receiving means causes actuation of said alarm means for a period of time longer than said relatively short period of time; means for disconnecting said alarm means so that generation of said wireless signal does not function to actuate said alarm means; said switch means comprising a plunger; means biasing said plunger in a predetermined direction; a first contact mounted to a terminal portion of said plunger, and a plurality of contacts conductively connected to said transmitter whereby, during normal opening of the window, said bias means causes said first contact to be drawn past and make electrical contact with said plurality of contacts for said relatively short period of time.
 5. An alarm system in accordance with claim 4 further including a casing, means mounting said plunger in said casing, said plunger further including a pressure plate, and said casing including stop means for arresting the movement of said pressure plate in said predetermined direction.
 6. An alarm system in accordance with claim 5 further including resilient means mounted to the periphery of said casing to seal off the interior of said casing from external contaminants and to permit movement of said plunger with respect to said casing, vent means disposed within said pressure plate to maintain a uniform pressure within the upper portion of said casing and vent means within said casing to maintain a uniform pressure within the lower portion of said casing.
 7. An alarm system in accordance with claim 6 further including resilient means disposed within said casing to control the movement of said plunger within said casing. 